1

Garbage Helper Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Yard Helper

Atlanta, GA

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Yard Helper Location: Atlanta, GA Reports to: Branch Manager Southway is looking to add an ... Empty garbage cans daily. * Maintain the cleanliness of the shop; all items off floor and sweep ...

Yard Helper

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Yard Helper Location: Atlanta, GA Reports to: Branch Manager Southway is looking to add an ... Empty garbage cans daily. * Maintain the cleanliness of the shop; all items off floor and sweep ...

Dietary Aide HCC

Carrollton, GA

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, GA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, GA

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

Dietary Aide

Decatur, GA

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

Dietary Aide/Dishwasher

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... helpful, caring demeanor. Answers questions when appropriate in a professional manner. KNOWLEDGE ... • Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. • Complies with ...

Food Service Assistant - Evening Shift

Cartersville, GA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. * Complies with infection ... Responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor, answers questions when ...

Removes garbage from kitchen areas and hoses out garbage containers. * Complies with infection ... Responds to expressed concerns while displaying a helpful, caring demeanor, answers questions when ...

Utility

Peachtree Corners, GA

$14.25 - $17/hr

Company Match 401K, helping you to prepare for the future! * Employee Assistance Program- Always ... Maintain cleanliness and working condition of garbage disposal. * Breakdown and clean dishwashing ...

Utility

Peachtree Corners, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Company Match 401K, helping you to prepare for the future! * Employee Assistance Program- Always ... Maintain cleanliness and working condition of garbage disposal. * Breakdown and clean dishwashing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Garbage Helper information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Atlanta, GA is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Helper, you need physical stamina, basic knowledge of waste collection procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with garbage trucks, hydraulic lifts, and safety equipment is typically required on the job. Dependability, teamwork, and attention to safety are crucial soft skills that help ensure efficient operations. These skills and qualities are important to maintain public health, prevent workplace accidents, and support reliable waste management services.

What are some common challenges faced by a garbage helper and how can they be managed?

Garbage Helpers often face challenges such as exposure to unpleasant odors, inclement weather, and physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy bins. To manage these, it's important to use proper protective gear such as gloves and masks, follow safety protocols to avoid injuries, and maintain good communication with the driver and crew to ensure efficient workflow. Over time, many find that teamwork and adapting to a routine help make the role more manageable and rewarding.

How to become a garbage helper?

To become a garbage helper, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting and standing for long periods. Some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are important for this role.

What is the difference between Garbage Helper vs Waste Collector?

AspectGarbage HelperWaste Collector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s license, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, often assisting with waste collectionOutdoor routes, operating trucks, collecting waste from designated areas
Employer & Industry UsageWaste management companies, sanitation servicesMunicipal waste departments, private waste collection firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting waste collectionPrimary role in waste collection services

Garbage Helpers assist Waste Collectors by handling waste, sorting, and supporting collection routes. While both roles work in waste management, Waste Collectors are responsible for operating trucks and collecting waste directly from customers, whereas Garbage Helpers typically perform supportive tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the waste management industry.

What does a garbage helper do?

A Garbage Helper, also known as a sanitation worker or refuse collector, assists in collecting and disposing of residential and commercial waste. They typically ride on garbage trucks, lift and empty trash bins into the truck, and ensure that waste is properly loaded for transportation to disposal or recycling facilities. The job requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. Garbage Helpers play an essential role in keeping communities clean and reducing health hazards associated with improper waste disposal.
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Garbage Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,095 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Southway Crane & Rigging Inc.

Yard Helper

Location: Atlanta, GA

Reports to: Branch Manager

Southway is looking to add an experienced full-time Yard Helper to our growing Branch. The following are a list of requirements; You must meet all the requirements below to be considered for this position.

Southway is offering our employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which include health benefits, paid vacation, per diem, and the opportunity to work plenty hours of overtime. We are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success.

Summary: The shop/yard labor performs a combination of tasks, including but not limited to efficiently and safely loading and unloading materials, painting, power washing, rigging, yard and shop maintenance and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

  • Help maintain cranes, as directed.
  • Load and unload trucks, complete on-rent and off-rent inspections, as directed.
  • Deliver and make runs for shop.
  • Empty garbage cans daily.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the shop; all items off floor and sweep daily.
  • Wipe off and maintain all work benches.
  • Keep all floor mounted power tools wiped down (drill press, grinders, parts washer, etc.).
  • Clean up any oil spills, drips and any slipping hazards immediately on the premises.
  • Empty all garbage cans daily.
  • Wipe down steam cleaner unit and hoses and roll up all hoses. *
  • Steam clean floor, as needed to remove grease and any slip hazards.
  • Steam clean cranes and equipment
  • Keep windows clean to allow more light in wash area.
  • Keep floor clean from any debris that comes off equipment.
  • Other duties in the wash area as assigned by the shop foreman.
  • Keep ground free of tire hazards, e.g., nails, welding rods, etc.
  • Keep all wood blocking stacked in one area.
  • Wipe down fuel pumps and sweep pump area weekly.
  • Keep trees and weeds cut down along fence line and boom pile area.
  • Clean up oil spills in yard immediately.
  • Rigging as needed.
  • Other projects and duties as assigned.
  • Work as directed by yard supervisor.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required
  • Minimum of 2 years of yard work experience.
  • Certified Forklift Operator preferred but not required.

Qualifications:

•    High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required
•    Minimum of 2 years of yard work experience.
•    Certified Forklift Operator preferred but not required.